Troubleshooting

If you're experiencing issues with your Bitaxe, this guide outlines the most common problems reported by the worldwide community, along with practical fixes you can try yourself. Whether it’s overheating, connectivity issues, or firmware glitches, we’ve compiled proven solutions to help you get your miner back up and running quickly and reliably.

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Overheating (Bitaxe Gamma)

If your Bitaxe displays a "device overheating" warning, resets its frequency, or shuts down unexpectedly, it’s activating thermal protection to prevent damage. This usually points to insufficient cooling or high ambient temperatures.

Here’s how to bring temperatures down and restore stability:

  • Improve airflow around the device.
    Make sure nothing’s blocking ventilation, and clear out any dust buildup on the fan or heatsink.
  • Replace the thermal paste.
    Use a high-quality thermal compound — avoid thermal pads as they don’t transfer heat as efficiently.
  • Upgrade the cooling system.
    A better heatsink (like the Low-Profile Plus) and fan (e.g. Noctua NF-A6x15 5V PWM) can dramatically improve cooling performance.
  • Reset to safe defaults.
    In AxeOS, set frequency to ~500 MHz and core voltage to ~1150 mV.
  • Reduce heat output.
    Lower the frequency and/or voltage slightly if you're overclocking.
  • Move it to a cooler environment.
    Even placing it closer to a fan or away from heat sources can help.

If you’re still having issues after trying the above, feel free to reach out to support.

 

No Hashing (All Models)

Your Bitaxe connects to the network, but either shows 0.0 GH/s or fails to submit any shares to the pool. This can be caused by configuration issues, cooling problems, or network interference.

Here’s how to get it hashing again:

  • Power cycle the device.
    Unplug the power supply for a full minute, then plug it back in. Avoid soft reboots when troubleshooting this issue.
  • Double-check your pool settings.
    Use reliable pools like public-pool.io. Make sure the URL, port, and wallet address are all correct and formatted properly.
  • Check thermal performance.
    Poor cooling or missing thermal paste can cause the device to enter a failsafe mode. Ensure a clean application of high-quality thermal paste and that the heatsink makes good contact.
  • Reflash the firmware.
    Use the Bitaxe firmware guide to reinstall the latest release using the Web Flasher.
  • Try a mobile hotspot.
    Test using your phone’s hotspot to rule out home router or firewall issues blocking mining traffic.
  • Reset voltage and frequency.
    In AxeOS, restore factory defaults — typically ~500 MHz and ~1150 mV — and apply settings.

If the issue still persists, get in touch with support — we’ll help you get mining again.

 

Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues (All Models)

Your Bitaxe device either won’t connect to Wi-Fi, doesn’t appear on your network, or keeps dropping the connection. These issues are usually caused by incorrect settings, signal interference, or router restrictions.

Here’s how to troubleshoot it:

  • Use a 2.4 GHz network only.
    Bitaxe does not support 5 GHz Wi-Fi — make sure you're connecting to the 2.4 GHz band.
  • Double-check your Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password.
    They are case-sensitive — even one wrong character can prevent connection.
  • Avoid guest networks.
    Always use your main network, not a guest or isolated SSID.
  • Check your router’s security settings.
    Disable AI firewalls, crypto-blocking, or ad-blocking features. Use WPA2 (not WPA3) and whitelist the Bitaxe IP if needed.
  • Restart your router and Bitaxe.
    A simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches.
  • If you don’t see the Bitaxe_XXXX setup network:
    Press the reset button on the board to restore setup mode.
  • Improve signal strength.
    Move the Bitaxe closer to the router and reduce interference from walls or other electronics.
  • If all else fails:
    Reflash the firmware to ensure the Wi-Fi module is working correctly.

If you're still having trouble, feel free to contact Bitaxe UK support — we’re happy to help.

 

Cannot Access Setup Page (All Models)

What’s happening is that your device (whether it’s a PC, iPhone, or something else) is checking for an internet connection when connecting to the Bitaxe’s setup WiFi network (Bitaxe_XXXX). Since there’s no internet at this stage — which is completely normal — your device might get stuck trying to redirect to a page like MSN or Apple’s captive portal.

Here’s how to access the setup page directly:

  • Connect to the Bitaxe_XXXX WiFi network.
    It might say “No Internet” — that’s expected and nothing to worry about.
  • Ignore any automatic pages that load or redirect you.
    Just close any tabs or pop-ups that appear.
  • Open your browser manually
    Chrome is ideal, but Safari, Firefox, or Edge all work
  • Type the following directly into the address bar: http://192.168.4.1 and press Enter.
    This will open the Bitaxe setup screen where you can enter your home WiFi network name and password.
  • Click Save and the Bitaxe will reboot.
  • After restarting, the Bitaxe will show its new IP address on screen. Use that to access AxeOS going forward.

If it still doesn’t work:

  • Double-check that you're connected to Bitaxe_XXXX before typing the address.
  • Try a different device — smartphones usually work best for setup.

 

Firmware Update Failure (All Models)

If your Bitaxe becomes unresponsive, stuck in a boot loop, or appears bricked after a firmware update, you’ll need to manually reflash the firmware.

Here’s how to do it safely:

  • Follow the official reflashing guide on GitHub:
    bitaxeorg/ESP-Miner – flashing.md
    This guide walks you through a full firmware reflash and includes a post-flash self-check.
  • Use a stable 5V power supply rated for 25–30W:
    A high-quality PSU (e.g., Meanwell GST60A05-P1J) ensures stability during flashing.
  • Heads up: Reflashing will reset the device to factory settings and wipe saved WiFi details and tuning configurations.

If the device still doesn’t respond after reflashing, contact support for further assistance.

 

Low Hash Rate (Bitaxe Gamma)

Your Bitaxe is only hashing at 300–500 GH/s instead of the expected 1.0–1.2 TH/s.

  • Check for overheating
    High temperatures can throttle performance. See the Overheating section for guidance.
  • Restore default settings
    Reset frequency to ~490–500 MHz and core voltage to ~1150 mV.
  • Improve cooling
    Better airflow or upgraded fans and heatsinks help maintain stable performance.
  • Check your power supply
    It should deliver a stable 5V at 5A or more. Inadequate power can limit hashrate.
  • Update firmware
    Make sure your device is running the latest AxeOS or Bitaxe firmware version.

If performance is still lower than expected after these steps, contact support for further assistance.

 

Unresponsive Device or Blank Screen (Bitaxe Gamma)

If your Bitaxe Gamma displays a blank screen, doesn’t broadcast a Wi-Fi network, or fails to begin hashing—especially after a firmware downgrade or first-time setup—it may be temporarily unresponsive or “soft-bricked.”

Here’s how to recover it:

  • Enter bootloader mode:
    Press and hold the Boot button, then briefly tap the Reset button. This puts the device into firmware recovery mode.
  • Flash stable firmware:
    Use the Bitaxe Web Flasher to install the lastest version.
  • Check power supply:
    Ensure your power source provides a reliable 5V at 25–30W. Confirm all cable connections are secure and use a proper USB-A to USB-C data cable.
  • Reseat the display:
    Carefully remove and reattach the screen ribbon to make sure the display is firmly seated on the board.

Note: At Bitaxe UK, we pre-solder the display to the board during assembly. If you purchased your unit from us, you can skip the screen reseating step above — it’s already securely attached and factory-tested.

If the device still doesn’t respond or fails to connect to the Web Flasher, try the bootloader steps again. If problems persist, the issue may be hardware-related — contact support for further help.

 

Temperature Sensor Error (Bitaxe Gamma)

If your ASIC temperature is showing as 0°C, -20°C, or jumping around after connecting to a mining pool, it’s likely due to a firmware bug or misconfiguration with the temperature sensor chip (EMC2101).

Here’s how to fix it:

  • Update your firmware.
    This issue was resolved in firmware updates released after November 2024. Follow our firmware update guide to get the latest version.
  • Reflash the firmware manually.
    If you're already on the latest version but still seeing the issue, try a fresh reflash using the latest firmware release.
  • Power cycle the Bitaxe.
    Turn it off and back on after updating or reflashing to fully reset the sensor reading.

If the problem continues after updating and rebooting, please contact Bitaxe UK support for further help.

 

Intermittent Hashing (Bitaxe Gamma)

The device hashes inconsistently or frequently drops to 0 GH/s, even when your network and power supply seem stable. This can be caused by a range of factors — from minor firmware quirks to thermal or power instability.

Here’s how to troubleshoot intermittent hashing:

  • Use a clean, stable power source.
    Plug the Bitaxe into a dedicated socket or a high-quality surge protector. Avoid USB hubs or power strips shared with other devices.
  • Reduce frequency slightly.
    If you're running at 500 MHz, try lowering it to 480 MHz or even 460 MHz to improve stability — especially in warmer environments.
  • Update to the latest firmware.
    Some firmware versions contain fixes for hashing dropouts. Use the Bitaxe Web Flasher for quick, reliable updates.
  • Check pool connectivity.
    High latency or dropped packets to your mining pool can interrupt hashing. Try switching to a closer or more reliable pool server.
  • Improve thermal contact.
    Poor heat transfer can cause the chip to throttle. Replace the thermal paste with a high-quality compound (avoid pads), and ensure the heatsink is firmly seated.

If the issue continues after trying the above, feel free to contact Bitaxe UK support — we're happy to help you dig deeper.

 

Fan Failure or Noise (All Models)

If your fan isn’t spinning, spins slowly, or makes excessive noise, it can cause the Bitaxe to overheat and shut down to protect itself.

Here’s how to troubleshoot the issue:

  • Inspect the fan closely.
    Check for dust, debris, or anything obstructing the blades. Give it a clean or replace it if needed.
  • Consider upgrading the fan.
    Premium 5V fans like the Noctua NF-A4x20 offer better airflow and quieter operation.
  • Check the fan connector.
    Make sure it’s firmly plugged in and that the pins aren’t bent, loose, or damaged.
  • Adjust fan speed in AxeOS (if available).
    Some firmware versions let you tweak the PWM fan settings for better performance.
  • Replace the fan if it’s faulty.
    If it’s still not working, swap it out or get in touch with your original seller for a replacement.

If the issue persists, contact support for further assistance.

 

Pool Configuration Errors (All Models)

Your Bitaxe may fail to connect to a mining pool or display “invalid shares,” even if everything looks correctly configured. This usually comes down to pool URL formatting, address compatibility, or network issues.

Here’s how to troubleshoot it:

  • Check your pool URL format.
    For pools like public-pool.io, do not include stratum+tcp:// — just enter the hostname and port.
  • Use a valid wallet address.
    Make sure you're entering a proper on-chain Bitcoin address. Lightning or unsupported formats won’t work.
  • Try a different pool.
    Switch temporarily to a known working pool like Braiins Pool to rule out compatibility issues.
  • Update your firmware.
    Pool connection bugs are sometimes fixed in newer versions of AxeOS — keep your device up to date via the Bitaxe Web Flasher.
  • Check your network setup.
    Disable any VPNs or router-level firewalls temporarily to see if they’re interfering with the pool connection.

If it still doesn’t work:

  • Test your setup on a different network (e.g. mobile hotspot) to isolate the issue.
  • Contact support with your pool settings and error message — we’re here to help.

 

Boot Failure After Power Loss (Bitaxe Gamma)

Your Bitaxe may fail to boot or behave erratically after a sudden power cut or surge. This can happen if the board was in the middle of writing settings or if the power source was unstable.

Here’s how to get back up and running:

  • Press the reset button on the board to perform a hard reset.
  • Reflash the firmware using BitaxeTool or the web flasher to ensure stability.
  • Use a surge-protected power supply (like the Meanwell GST60A05-P1J) to prevent future damage.
  • Inspect for signs of physical damage — such as blown capacitors or scorch marks. If anything looks off, stop using the unit and contact support.
  • Avoid shared outlets or cheap extension cords, which can introduce voltage instability.

If the problem continues after resetting and reflashing, reach out to support — we’re happy to help.

 

High Reject Rate (All Models)

Your mining pool is reporting a high number of rejected or stale shares, which can reduce your effective hashrate and overall mining efficiency.

  • Lower the frequency slightly (e.g. 480–490 MHz) to improve ASIC stability and reduce errors.
  • Use a pool server closer to your location to minimise latency and share timing issues.
  • Check your Wi-Fi signal strength and stability (see Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues).
  • Keep your firmware up to date — updates often improve share handling and network performance.
  • Monitor device temperatures — overheating can lead to throttling and stale shares.

If you’ve tried the above and are still seeing high reject rates, contact support for further assistance.